February 7, 2025
Some research shows that e-cigarettes can be a useful tool for quitting cigarettes, but that strategy is hotly contested by scientists. Plus, an investigative journalist outlines how fraud and misconduct have stalled the search for effective Alzheimer’s treatments in a new book. And, why snow has that crisp, clean smell.
SciFri Is Hosting Virtual Trivia Nights—And You’re Invited
Be the most popular person in your group thread: bring your team to the nerdiest virtual trivia night out there, full of science nerdiness!
A Future Where Gene Editing Is A Federal Crime
From this SciFri Book Club pick, a peek into a world where gene editing is a crime—or, as some believe, the only way to save humanity.
Read Blake Crouch’s ‘Upgrade’ With The SciFri Book Club
Blake Crouch imagines a world where your genome can be hacked in his new sci-fi thriller ‘Upgrade.’ Read it with us this August.
11:35
1,000 Acres Of Ancestral Land Returned To Onondaga Nation
This decision marks one of the largest returns of land to an Indigenous nation in U.S. history.
17:24
A New COVID Wave Is Here, Raising The Risk Of Reinfections
As omicron continues to evolve and reinfect, experts join us to debunk the latest pandemic misinformation and shed light on new boosters.
5:45
Texas Heatwave Puts Strain On Electric Grid
Shining a light on solar power infrastructure might prove beneficial during one of the state’s hottest summers on record.
11:14
Gene Editing Is Easy—And A Crime—In This New Techno Thriller Book
Author Blake Crouch joins Ira to discuss the not-so-improbable future of gene editing from his new novel, “Upgrade.”
17:17
A Busy Time For Space Launches
The breathtaking telescope images aren’t the only exciting thing happening in space. Space reporter and “Are We There Yet?” host explains.
17:29
U.S. Attempts To Catch Up With Rising Monkeypox Cases
The orthopox virus continues to spread as officials scramble to get on top of the national response.
12:05
Stunning JWST Images Show New Details Of The Universe
This week, the world watched as the first science images from the JWST were unveiled. Here’s what it means for astronomy.
Recruiting New Brain Donors For Science
A live Q&A and radio broadcast inspired over 1,000 listeners to pledge their brains to scientific research. Future brain donors share their motivations and questions about brain donation.
12:03
We Need To Talk About Bird Poop
Seabird poop is a vital fertilizer for ecosystems. What happens to the health of those ecosystems as those seabirds go extinct?
26:07
Sweating Is Our Biological Superpower
Sweat gives us so much more than a smell, thanks to the cool chemistry of this vital bodily fluid.
8:51
From Zero To 100 Butts: The Wild World Of Invertebrate Behinds
#InverteButtWeek is here! Meet the scientists and illustrators who are spreading joy and knowledge about the backends of the backbone-less.
27:42
A Debate Over How The Universe Began
While debating the origins of the universe, these mid-century researchers accidentally explained the origins of every element of matter.
1:57
The World According To Sound: Listening To Black Holes Collide
Some black holes sound like a wobbling top, while others rumble in low bass tones. Listen to them yourself, thanks to MIT professor Scott Hughes.
11:20
A Maggot Revolution In Modern Medicine
Fly larvae have been used to cure wounds for thousands of years. Researchers say they’re still more useful than you might think.
5:40
Trying To Determine Forest Health? Look To The Lichens
The types of lichens living in a patch of forest may be a better indicator of ecological health than the trees themselves.
12:03
Supreme Court Limits EPA’s Greenhouse Gas Regulating Ability
The 6-3 decision could affect world efforts to combat climate change.
17:10
The Scientist Rebellion: “We’re Not Exaggerating” About The Climate Crisis
After decades of being ignored, leading researchers are practicing civil disobedience to sound the alarm about the climate crisis.